Western Rails & Canyons with Rocky Mountaineer
Western Rails & Canyons with Rocky Mountaineer
Western Rails & Canyons with Rocky Mountaineer
9 Days Starting and ending in Denver, United States
Visiting: Denver, Colorado Springs, Durango, Moab, Utah, Moab, Arches National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AG-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Western Rails & Canyons with Rocky Mountaineer" tour, a perfect blend of rail journeys, scenic landscapes, and cultural exploration. Begin your journey in Denver, Colorado, and traverse through iconic destinations such as Colorado Springs, Durango, and Moab. Experience the thrill of the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway, marvel at the towering sandstone formations in Garden of the Gods Park, and delve into ancient history at Mesa Verde National Park. Enjoy a scenic ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad and the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer, passing through breathtaking canyons and national parks. With comfortable accommodations in Denver, Colorado Springs, Durango, and Moab, this tour promises a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and discovery.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Denver,Colorado
Location: Denver
Accommodation Name: The Westin Denver Downtown
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2: Denver,Colorado Springs
Location: Colorado Springs
Accommodation Name: Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
See Denver’s historic Union Station, Mile High Stadium, and more on an orientation tour en route to Colorado Springs. Explore Garden of the Gods Park, featuring 300-foot towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snowcapped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies. Take a thrilling ride on the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Travel up to the summit of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak, the place that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write America the Beautiful. Tonight, a [LF] home-cooked BBQ dinner with western music under the stars at the historic Flying W Ranch (weather permitting).
Day 3: Colorado Springs,Great Sand Dunes National Park,Durango
Location: Colorado Springs
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango
Meals Included: Breakfast
A scenic drive travels along the Highway of Legends Scenic and Historic Byway, over the Sangre de Cristo Range, home to ten 14,000-foot peaks, and through meandering ranchlands to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Later, continue deeper into the Colorado wilderness passing through the San Juan National Forest to Durango. Tonight is free to explore Durango. Why not visit the saloons, speakeasy, and more on historic Main Street.
Day 4: Durango. Rail Journey To Silverton
Location: Durango
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, board the [LF] Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad for a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest. Return to Durango for a free evening.
Day 5: Durango,Mesa Verde National Park,Canyons Of The Ancients,Moab,Utah
Location: Moab, Utah
Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a step back to ancient times, lands, and people. Start with a visit to Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continuing to the Canyon of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum. Continue to Moab for a free evening.
Day 6: Moab. Excursion To Canyonlands National Park & Deadhorse State Park
Location: Moab
Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit magnificent Canyonlands National Park. Return to Moab for a free evening. Perhaps visit the quaint shops and restaurants on Main Street or stretch your legs on the Mill Creek Parkway Trail.
Day 7: Moab,Arches National Park,Rocky Mountaineer,Glenwood Springs,Colorado
Location: Arches National Park
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Glenwood Springs
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, explore the incredible landscape of Arches National Park, containing more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch. Then embark on the Rocky Mountaineer for a scenic train ride in Silver Leaf Class. Travel east through the Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area. See Parachute Creek and Mount Logan while following the scenic Colorado River. Take in the beautiful red rock formations, desert cliffs of Ruby Canyon, and mountain vistas. Overnight stay in historic Glenwood Springs, Colorado. NOTE: Glenwood Springs’ properties are considered moderate 3-star hotels or better. Your chosen hotel is determined by Rocky Mountaineer; however, you can rest assured that it satisfies our high standards of cleanliness and comfort.
Day 8: Glenwood Springs,Rocky Mountaineer,Denver
Location: Denver
Accommodation Name: The Westin Denver Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A full day aboard the Rocky Mountaineer through the Colorado high country. From dense wooded forests and white-capped mountains of White River National Forest to the picturesque Byers and Gore Canyons and the tranquil mountain lakes of Arapahoe National Forest, you’ll experience the journey of a lifetime. Cross the high elevations of the Continental Divide with a sparkling wine toast while driving through the six-mile-long Moffatt Tunnel. Arrive in Denver this evening for a farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director tonight.
Day 9: Denver
Location: Denver
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more of Denver? Extra nights are available for purchase.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation in various hotels including The Westin Denver Downtown, Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango, and Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn.
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Meals
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners are included.
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Transportation
Transportation includes a scenic ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad and a journey on the Rocky Mountaineer in Silver Leaf Class.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours and excursions to various locations including Garden of the Gods Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Arches National Park.
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Welcome Drink
A welcome drink with the Tour Director and traveling companions on the first day.
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Farewell Dinner
A farewell dinner hosted by the Tour Director on the last evening.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Notes
The trail to the Escalante Pueblo is a ½-mile paved, uphill, wheelchair-accessible trail. Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions.
UNESCO Sites
Mesa Verde National Park
Accommodation
Denver: The Westin Denver Downtown, Colorado Springs: Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs, Durango: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango, Moab: Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn
Mode of Transport
This tour includes scenic drives through Colorado and Utah, a thrilling ride on the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and a scenic train journey on the Rocky Mountaineer in Silver Leaf Class.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect on the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as a scenic ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad, exploring Garden of the Gods Park, visiting Mesa Verde National Park, and a thrilling ride on the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway. You will also have opportunities to explore historic sites, enjoy a home-cooked BBQ dinner with western music, and take a scenic train ride on the Rocky Mountaineer.
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Are there any special meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily, one lunch, and three dinners. One of the dinners is a home-cooked BBQ dinner with western music under the stars at the historic Flying W Ranch, weather permitting.
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What kind of accommodations are provided during the tour?
Accommodations include stays at The Westin Denver Downtown in Denver, Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs in Colorado Springs, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango in Durango, and Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn in Moab. In Glenwood Springs, the accommodations are considered moderate 3-star hotels or better, determined by Rocky Mountaineer.
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Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there are several opportunities for free time during the tour. For example, you will have free evenings in Durango and Moab to explore on your own.
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What should I know about the weather conditions for this tour?
Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions. It's advisable to check the weather forecast and be prepared for varying conditions.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to Mesa Verde National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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What is the accessibility like for the activities on this tour?
The trail to the Escalante Pueblo is a ½-mile-long, paved, uphill, wheelchair-accessible trail. Other activities may vary in accessibility, so it's best to check specific requirements in advance.
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What kind of scenic views can I expect on the Rocky Mountaineer train ride?
On the Rocky Mountaineer train ride, you will experience scenic views of the Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area, Parachute Creek, Mount Logan, the Colorado River, red rock formations, desert cliffs of Ruby Canyon, and mountain vistas. The journey also includes crossing the high elevations of the Continental Divide and traveling through the six-mile-long Moffatt Tunnel.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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